The Salesians’ Commitment to Young People
A resource for Botswana’s future
by Enrico Casale
(ANS – Francistown, Botswana – August 14, 2026) –
There is wealth here, but not the kind one might expect. No diamonds: in a
country that ranks among the world’s leading producers of these precious
stones, the Salesians are tending to the most valuable treasure of all – the
human treasure, embodied by the young men and women. They are committed to
nurturing this heritage which, more than the gems themselves, represents the
future of Botswana, a country in southern Africa that is little known and
rarely covered by the international media. In an economic context marked by
profound structural changes, where dependence on mineral resources clashes with
the urgent need for economic, social, and employment diversification, the
challenge of education takes on the significance of a genuine gamble on the
future.
The work of the Salesians
The Salesian presence in Botswana is recent. “The first
pioneer priests entered Botswana on November 26, 2023, via the Kazungula border
crossing, coming from Zambia,” recalls Fr. Vincent Tembo, who was part of the
group. “The beginning of the Salesian presence,” he explains, “took place on December
8, 2023, with a Mass celebrated in the cathedral of Our Lady of the Desert by
the late Bishop Anthony Pascal Rebello, who had invited the Salesians to the diocese
of Francistown.”
The three pioneers
The process of taking root in the local community required
patience. The first 3 Salesian pioneers were Bro. Sylvester Makumba, Fr. Irvin
Lumano, and Fr. Tembo, who was in charge of the missionary presence. The launch
of activities had to contend with the pace of local bureaucracy. “We
encountered difficulties in obtaining work and residence permits,” the priest emphasizes,
“and after 90 days we returned to Zambia while awaiting authorization. The
bureaucratic hurdles were eventually overcome. We currently have just one
community, in the diocese of Francistown.”
Catholics in Botswana
The Catholic presence in Botswana is small. A former British
colony, the country has an estimated population of 2.6 million. The Catholic evangelization
mission, begun in 1928 by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, has led to the
formation of a community of around 120,000 faithful, accounting for 4.7–5% of
the population, spread across the 2 dioceses of Gaborone and Francistown.
The Salesians have been entrusted with the pastoral care of
the small parish of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, which has just 72
parishioners. “We carry out our activities in a place called Monarch, one of
the poorest areas of Francistown,” notes F. Tembo. “We live in a rented house 4
km from the center, and we plan to build a Salesian community house.”
True to their charism, the Salesians pay particular
attention to young people: “We plan to set up a youth center so that the young
people of Monarch can have a place where they can spend their free time
constructively.”
Commitment to young people
The community has already launched an afternoon oratory at
weekends, offering a concrete response to urban marginalization. The
involvement of the laity is also proceeding according to a planned program: the
formation of Salesian Cooperators began in 2025, and the first members are
expected to take their promises in 2027. “On Saturdays we hold catechism
classes followed by oratory activities,” the missionary explains, “and we are
involved in the catechesis of young adults, also organizing Bible study groups
for young people.”
The geopolitical situation
This pastoral commitment is set against a complex
geopolitical and economic backdrop. Since gaining independence in 1966,
Botswana has long been regarded as a model of democratic stability in southern
Africa, thanks to a robust multiparty system and an efficient public
administration. Today, however, the national development model is going thru a
delicate phase. The country’s economy remains dependent on diamond mining, a
sector which has historically accounted for around 30% of gross domestic
product and up to 80% of export revenue, funding infrastructure and public
services.
The employment crisis
The crisis in the global diamond market, however, exacerbated
by competition from synthetic diamonds, has also reduced the resources
available for public spending. The closure or downsizing of some mines has led
to the loss of a regular income for large sections of the population and
growing job insecurity in the mining sector. This has led to problems of
unemployment, which exceeds 30% among young people, forcing many to seek
alternative sources of livelihood in the informal sector or in subsistence
farming. Despite this, the government continues to regard free education as a
cornerstone of its policies, while recognizing the need to complement it with
educational and training facilities spread thruout the country.
Developing human capital
The work of the Salesians is not carried out in isolation
but forms part of a well-structured regional network. The mission is part of
the Salesian vice province covering Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana,
which is based in Lusaka. International cooperation plays a crucial role in
this initial phase: 6 months after the mission opened, the Salesian Cooperators
from the Czech Republic visited the community in Francistown, helping the
religious to introduce the Association into the parish and providing practical
support for the oratory’s activities.
Against this backdrop of transition, the Salesian presence
focuses on developing human capital. “The work in Monarch is a small beacon of
hope. Creating a safe space for young people,” concludes Fr. Tembo, “means
offering concrete alternatives to creeping poverty, supporting the growth of
the younger generations with educational tools capable of going beyond the
illusory wealth of precious stones.”
Source: Vatican
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